In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.

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⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!

The featured species in this episode is the Jungle Owlet (Glaucidium radiatum).

Sound Citations:

Dr S S Suresh, XC1102415. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/1102415

Swami Bogim, XC1037332. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/1037332.

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👕 Bird Merch — Get yourself some bird shirts!

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In Episode 132, Ivan Phillipsen explores the "circulatory system of the land"—the world of rivers and streams. These flowing-water environments, serve as vital habitats for avian life.

The episode delves into the ecology of these waterways, breaking down the differences between clear, rocky upland streams and the warmer, sediment-rich rivers of the lowlands. Listeners will learn about the distinct "zones" of a stream—from the central channel to the lush riparian zone—and discover what resources birds need to thrive in these high-energy environments.

At the heart of the discussion are the "stream specialists"—a select group of approximately 60 bird species worldwide that are evolutionarily tied to flowing water. From the underwater antics the American Dipper to the massive, fish-hunting Blakiston’s Fish-Owl, the episode highlights the incredible adaptations of birds that make their living among the rapids. Whether exploring the global diversity hotspots of the Himalayas or the secretive lives of "streamcreepers," this episode is an inviting look at the birds that call the water's edge home.

Wild Latitudes: Worldwide birding and nature tours.

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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In each Random Bird Thursday (RBT) episode, the goal is to highlight a bird species that probably isn't going to get featured in a full-length podcast episode. These are birds we might overlook, even though they certainly deserve some appreciation and attention.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!

The featured species in this episode is the Bicolored Antbird (Gymnopithys bicolor).

Sound Citations:

Niels Krabbe, XC250916. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/250916.

Johan Chaves, XC949385. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/949385.

Niels Krabbe, XC248252. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/248252.

Patricio Mena Valenzuela, XC275411. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/275411.

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